Turin, Italy; Boasting the Olympics and Great Chocolate


Turin, home of the 2006 Olympics, is not the typical tourist hotspot in Italy. Yet, this city offers an abundance of attractions for anyone who likes art, aperitifs, culture, chocolate, and much more. Writer for GoNOMAD.com, Jim Sajo, explores Turin in his article; Turin, Italy: Regal grandeur, Bohemian Nightlife.

“ The intense passion of international sports competition played out amid the heart-stopping beauty of the Italian Alps. Turin exudes regal dignity of Italy’s historic royal family, yet boasts the most bohemian nightlife on the peninsula. Intriguing museums celebrate the art and culture of a city where citizens embrace chocolate and an aperitif as necessity rather than luxury.

Luci d’Artista – Each winter, a group of artists, backed by platoons of technicians and construction crews, build an outdoor museum of light. Lining Via Roma, dazzling Piazza Carignano or lighting up the imposing façade of Palazzo Madama, the ultramodern exhibit (the first of its kind in Europe) is comprised of 60 miles of electrical cable and more than 700,000 light bulbs. A hypnotic site during an evening stroll.

Chocolate is made each day in hundreds of forms and combinations. Just about every street has workshops, candy makers, and pastry stores enticing you to make a significant gastronomic investment. Buy a “ChocoPass” from the tourist office; you’ll receive a discount for up to 15 treats at participating businesses. Here are suggestions for the best value, widest variety, and most elegant chocolate shops.”